Manchester United have sacked head coach Rúben Amorim, bringing an end to a turbulent 14-month spell at Old Trafford. The decision was taken on Monday morning following meetings between Amorim, chief executive Omar Berrada, and director of football Jason Wilcox, with the club concluding that his position had become untenable
United confirmed the dismissal shortly after 10am, stating that a change was needed to give the team “the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.”
? BREAKING: Manchester United have sacked Rúben Amorim. pic.twitter.com/Nzg3uZPCda
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) January 5, 2026
Tension Behind the Scenes
Amorim’s exit follows a growing breakdown in confidence between the head coach and United’s hierarchy. Concerns were raised internally over his refusal to consistently adapt his preferred 3-4-3 system, alongside what were described as emotional and negative responses during discussions about the team’s tactical direction
The former Sporting boss had privately and publicly voiced frustration over recruitment and backing, particularly in the January transfer window. After Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Leeds, Amorim delivered a pointed message that underlined the rift.
“I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United,” he said, comments that were interpreted as a direct challenge to the club’s structure and decision-making.
Results and Records That Cost Him
While United currently sit sixth in the Premier League, Amorim’s overall record weighed heavily against him. He won 24 of his 63 games in all competitions, giving him a 38.1% win rate, the worst of any permanent Manchester United manager in the Premier League era. His average of 1.23 points per game is also the lowest among United managers during that period
Despite brief upturns, including a five-game unbeaten run and a Boxing Day win over Newcastle after switching to a back four, United’s form remained inconsistent. Amorim later reverted to a back three, prompting renewed criticism following a flat draw against Wolves and further pressure from pundits and supporters.
1 – In the Premier League, Rúben Amorim had the worst win ratio (32%), the worst goals conceded per game ratio (1.53) and the lowest clean ratio (15%) of any Manchester United manager. Coach. pic.twitter.com/oZMVat44Us
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 5, 2026
What Happens Next at Old Trafford?
Former United midfielder and current academy coach Darren Fletcher will take interim charge for Wednesday night’s Premier League clash away at Burnley. No final decision has yet been made on whether an interim will lead the team for the remainder of the season before a permanent appointment in the summer.
United face a demanding run of fixtures, including an FA Cup tie against Brighton and league games against Manchester City and Arsenal, as the club searches once again for stability in the dugout.
Amorim leaves Old Trafford having overseen heavy spending, tactical debate, and mounting internal tension, as Manchester United begin the search for their seventh full-time manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
